District budget on track through March but free-meal program running over projections, board told
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Summary
Business staff told the board revenues and expenses are roughly in line with last year through March 31, but the board was warned that the district's free breakfast and lunch program is costing more than projected and staff will return in May with updated figures and a recommendation.
At a board meeting, Plymouth Joint School District business staff reported that year-to-date revenues and expenses as of March 31 are roughly comparable to the prior year and within expected ranges, but the district's free breakfast and lunch program is running costlier than projected.
Amy (staff member) presented a comparative budget summary that shows revenues at about 55% and expenses at about 54% of budgeted amounts for the period ending March 31, 2025, and said the district has collected roughly half of expected revenues while being about 80% through the school year. Amy noted one change from prior years: federal ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds that previously boosted federal revenue lines are no longer available at prior levels; the current federal budget line is reported at about $1.1 million compared with $2.3 million the prior year.
Board members asked for detail on the composition of revenue differences; Amy explained that some of the apparent offset comes from interfund transfers tied to special education budgets, and she cautioned that annual timing and grants cause year-to-year variances. She said the special-education transfer number is budgeted and could change when actual special-education expenditures are settled.
On food service, Amy and staff said participation in the free-meal program is "very high" and that the program is serving roughly double the lunches compared with the prior year. However, food costs have risen since the district's earlier projections, and the net effect is a higher-than-expected expense for the program. Staff said they will continue to offer free breakfast and lunch through the summer, when food service historically runs at net positive because labor is reduced, but told the board they are not yet ready to recommend continuing the free-meal program next year. A more complete recommendation and data were promised at the May board meeting when month-end figures are final.
Board members asked about staffing and salary trends, where Amy explained retirements and staff turnover can change year-to-year salary totals; the board noted a possible decrease of one full-time equivalent in special education compared with last year.
The board requested a detailed May update on food-service finances before a decision is made about the program for the next school year.
